A SERVICE providing care for people who have just been sexually assaulted is now available to children, young people and adults living in Ellesmere Port.

The Cheshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides immediate help in Manchester as well as follow-up support at a secret location in Ellesmere Port.

The centre works in partnership with other organisations such as RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre) and the NSPCC.

People can refer themselves to the service or be referred by a police officer or health professional.

Julie Webster, director of public wealth for western Cheshire, said: “There is no doubt we are now providing the best quality and standards of care for people living in Cheshire who require these services.

“Now these services are in place we can be sure that victims are benefiting from the knowledge and experience of experts working in this field.”

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Cheshire grew out of discussions on how best to provide quality care and services to victims of rape and sexual assault living in the area.

For more about the service, call Charlotte Batra on 07932 919573. There is a 24-hour advice and information line on 0161 276 6515. For online information, visit www.wcheshirepct.nhs.uk and look under Local Health Services for Rape and Sexual Assault Service Information.